The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program launched in summer 2020 (replacing our highly-respected master's degree program) to better serve the needs of our students as the profession continues to move forward, meeting the health care needs of the future. Our top-tier faculty and unmatched clinical experiences offer excellent preparation for your career after graduation.
We welcomed our first cohort in the new Sammons Rider Occupational Therapy Assistant bachelor's degree program in spring 2022. This degree prepares you for a rewarding career as an OTA and puts you in the classroom and clinics with our excellent OT faculty.
OTA program
When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant, you'll be prepared to sit for the exam to become a practicing occupational therapy assistant. You'll also be prepared for graduate studies if you choose to pursue your master's or doctorate degree in occupational therapy.
The fieldwork portion of your education here is one of the highlights of the occupational therapy program at WMU. Your hands-on, clinical learning sets us apart as an institution and it will set you apart when you're applying for jobs after graduation.
OTD program
The occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) program at WMU prepares you with the academic and clinical knowledge you need to become a certified occupational therapy practitioner.
Fieldwork connects your classroom learning with real-world experience working in faculty-led and other supervised clinical settings. You will have many hands-on learning experiences in our OTD program. That's followed by a capstone experience and project, which is a self directed independent project which furthers the depth of your OT skills and knowledge
News
The Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education has granted accreditation status to the OTA program for a period of seven years!
Videos
Health Careers Opportunity Program
Drs. Maureen Mickus and Nancy Hock have been awarded a $3.2 million, five-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The Health Careers Opportunity Program will provide training opportunities and financial support for educationally and economically disadvantaged students interested or enrolled in the WMU OT program. Participating students also receive mentoring from a national network of OT practitioners.
This initiative involves key partnerships with the Kalamazoo Promise, Seita Scholars, Trio Student Success, the College Assistance Migrant Program and organizations that serve historically disadvantaged communities.
Accreditation Information
Accreditation of OT programs is granted by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Our entry-level doctoral degree program and our occupational therapy assistant baccalaureate program are accredited by ACOTE.
